The evolution logic and optimisation strategies of China’s emergency management system from the perspective of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory (1949–2023)
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22077360 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Tian Lai (0000-0001-8976-7440, Wuhan University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 1802526-1802526 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-21 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1802526 |
| PMID | 42094887 |
| OpenAlex | W7155040127 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 28 |
The emergency management system constitutes the core of national emergency preparedness. Analysed through the lens of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory (PET), this study proposes a dual-driver model that integrates both exogenous focal events and endogenous ideological shifts—an amendment extending PET to account for top-down, state-led punctuations in China’s governance context. Since 1949, the system has followed a pattern of gradual equilibrium, policy punctuation, and new equilibrium reconstruction. Four equilibrium periods are identified: disaster-specific management (1949–2002); “One Plan, Three Systems” integrated management (2003–2012); holistic national security outlook (2013–2018); and “Big Security – Big Emergency” integrated governance (2019–present). Three major punctuations and one institutional restructuring are traced. Key characteristics include policy image transformation from single-hazard response to integrated governance, policy venue expansion from unitary centralised management to multi-party collaborative governance, and the increasing salience of focal events. Future optimisation should focus on expanding the policy venue, enhancing scientific policy design, and fostering bidirectional empowerment between top-level design and grassroots momentum
Corporate governance · Crisis management · Emergency management · Management system · National security · Punctuated equilibrium · Restructuring · Systems theory · Disaster Management and Resilience · Policy Transfer and Learning · Public Policy and Administration Research
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| Highly cited | No |
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